Related Articles

White Sands National Monument protects almost 275 square miles of an arid desert landscape best known for its chalk-white dunes of gypsum crystal sand. The stark beauty of White Sands attracts visitors, including campers in search of starry nights under the desert sky and adventure by day in the challenging terrain. Tent camping at White Sands National Monument is a primitive, austere experience, so campers must come prepared.

Features

The only format of camping available at White Sands National Monument is hike-in, primitive camping. The park maintains 10 campsites along a backcountry loop trail, with each campsite roughly a mile from the trailhead. The campsites offer some seclusion, but no facilities beyond the post marking the campsite's location. Campsites at the park operate first come, first served. Campers must check in at the visitor center to register and pay a fee, and registration is open (assuming sites are still available) up to one hour before sunset.

Regulations

Patrons of White Sands must set up their camp within five feet of their campsite's marker post, and have camp set-up no later than sunset. Campers in the park are required to adhere to "leave no trace" standards during their visit, which means digging a latrine, packing out all refuse and not altering the landscape to create "improvements" such as wind-breaks. Fires are not allowed outside of designated areas anywhere in the park, and alcohol consumption is banned between February and May.

Climate

One of the challenges facing tent campers at White Sands is the forbidding climate. Daytime highs in the summer at White Sands average around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and heat waves reaching 110 F are not uncommon. The daytime weather is milder between October and April, but this period is marked by chilly desert nights. November to March sees nightly lows below freezing, and during the winter, the cold might dip below zero. Tent campers should plan ahead with suitable sleeping bags, clothing, and camp equipment such as shelters to provide extra shade.

Health and Safety

The single most important consideration for a camper in White Sands National Park is water. As the campsites lack water spigots, all water must be carried in, and the park suggests campers plan on consuming two gallons per person every day. Tap water for refills is available at the visitors’ center.

Another safety issue for tent campers at White Sands is the area's poisonous wildlife. Boots should be turned upside down to check for spiders and scorpions before they are put on, and tents kept tightly zipped up overnight to prevent the entry of rattlesnakes looking to cozy up next to warm sleeping bag.